Friday, June 21, 2013

I am at a coffee shoppe filled with beautiful people who are engrossed in their work, engrossed in conversation, and engrossed in their coffee.

I am the one who is engrossed in my work, coffee, and other people's conversations.

Eavesdropping has such negative connotations. Let me reword it to make it sound like a respectable past time.

I am a story teller. This is what I do, and this is how many people know me. I recently wrote a story about a small child and her conversation with her grandmother that I overheard in an airport in Charlotte. Now, "creeping" is not what I do. I study my subjects to be able to tell their story - whether or not they know it.

The ladies next to me were engrossed in their conversation about their loved ones, and I would like to tell you their story.

Marge and Josie haven't seen each other for about three months because Josie's son just got married. Marge had been waiting very patiently for Josie to return Marge's calls, but understood that weddings are a big deal and take a lot of work.

Marge just had to see Josie, though, because her own son started dating a woman who Marge could only describe as a scarlet woman. Josie admittedly laughed Marge's choice of words, but then, putting on a brave face, spoke seriously of the weighty matter.

Marge is a respectable woman, and she has a reputation to uphold. She is in very high standing with her close knit group of church friends, but "Good ***! What will they say to me when they find out?!"

Josie also had a son who went the wayward way shortly after leaving the home, but he turned out alright. Just love him, Marge, everything will be fine.

Marge did not argue with Josie's sage advice, but her anxiety did not wane.

Marge works at her local library and is comfortable in her quiet lifestyle. Her husband rarely makes a fuss at home, and sometimes startles her when he speaks up. She has a nasty habit of forgetting when he's home. He usually works long hours, and her library job is far from full time. She gets to do what she wishes during her alone time.

Jerry is not nearly as concerned of his son's "predicament" (Marge's word) as his dear doting wife is.

"Come off it, Margie. He's a grown man. He can take care of himself."

"But he'll need his mother when this relationship turns south, and I'll be there reminding him of my warnings!"

"Yes, because that will be exactly what he needs at that time" he gushed, sarcasm dripping from his spoon.

Josie was much more understanding than Jerry, but she still gently pressed that Marge may be acting a little on the overbearing side. When I heard that statement, I knew without doubt that I was sitting in a Minnesotan coffee shoppe. We can't be too abrasive when we disagree with someone. It wouldn't be "nice."

The conversation turned to Will and Mary's wedding. It was outdoors, and it rained on them. Other than that, everything went off without a hitch and the ceremony was beautiful. It was the first time Josie had seen her mother-in-law cry. She was far from tears at Josie's wedding, many years ago. She seemed to wear a face of bittersweetness that day. Josie was taking away her youngest son, so the sentiment was almost understandable. It didn't take too long for Martha to accept Josie into the family, thankfully.

Ok, Josie, but back to my son! What am I to do?!

"Take two breaths, a shot of brandy, and get to know your son's girlfriend. You may be pleasantly surprised. I need to get back home now. The garden needs watering."